The question is: If you start with a laptop that has Windows Vista, that is, Windows Vista that has never, ever been updated since the day it was brand-spankin’ new, how many updates does it take to get it…
The Food of Christmas
Some things about the Christmas holiday are traditional, and are essential to the entire holiday experience. (click on photos for full size image) For instance, it just wouldn’t be Christmas without Ralphie. Others things are unique…
U.S. Debt, Illustrated
Things, especially things about numbers, and especially things about big numbers, are often very hard to both explain and comprehend. Pictures help a lot. Along those lines, this is the best illustration I’ve seen yet on what the U.S. debt…
The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt – book review
The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt by Toby Wilkinson My rating: 4 of 5 stars In the future, when someone uses the phrase, “monumental effort,” I will think of this book. Mr. Wilkinson has not only attempted, but delivered,…
Moment of Truth in Iraq – book review
Moment of Truth in Iraq by Michael Yon My rating: 3 of 5 stars A good compilation of Mr. Yon’s blog posts plus some original material from the relevant period of his war reporting in Iraq. The story is worthy,…
What Do You Make?
Here in the United States, this is a holiday weekend. The holiday is Labor Day, which was established to celebrate the work and efforts of all who toil to earn a living. Like most holidays, it has accrued additional meanings…
Today’s WSJ perception of the flyover states
This photo in today’s Wall Street Journal caught my eye. It accompanied an earnings report story on John Deere. Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111903639404576513981361991242.html?mod=ITP_marketplace_4 I thought about the conversation or email that must have solicited this image back from the media…
One More Shot
On Saturday, 2 July, 2011 Steph decided to surprise me with a trip to witness the final space shuttle launch. On Tuesday, 5 July, she told me about the trip by way of a hand-made book. Read the rest…
Political Destiny
Demographics is destiny. — Arthur Kemp The political destiny of the U.S. for the next 25 years is sealed. Here’s how: In the United States, the proportion of the population aged >65 years is projected to increase from 12.4% in…